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The Shocking Truth Behind Drake's Two Face Tattoos: A Complete Guide To The 'SG' And 'Miskeen' Ink

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Drake’s decision to get a face tattoo was a major surprise to the music world, challenging his previously 'cleaner' image and sparking intense curiosity among fans and media alike. As of December 2025, the global superstar has cemented his commitment to body art with two distinct, deeply personal pieces of ink on his face, each telling a profound story about his identity, family, and Toronto roots.

The tattoos are small, but their impact is huge, immediately becoming viral topics of discussion and speculation across social media platforms. Unlike the elaborate, full-face pieces often seen on other rappers, Drake’s approach is minimalist, making the meaning behind the "sg" initials and the word "miskeen" even more intriguing to decode. This is the definitive, updated breakdown of Aubrey Graham's most visible and meaningful body art.

Aubrey Drake Graham: Biography and Profile

Before diving into the ink, it is essential to understand the man behind the music, Aubrey Drake Graham, who has evolved from a Canadian teen actor to a global hip-hop icon.

  • Full Name: Aubrey Drake Graham
  • Born: October 24, 1986
  • Age (as of Dec 2025): 39
  • Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (The "6ix")
  • Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Record Producer, Businessman
  • Parents: Sandi Graham (mother) and Dennis Graham (father)
  • Record Label/Crew: OVO Sound (October's Very Own)
  • Key Career Highlights:
    • Gained initial fame as 'Jimmy Brooks' on the teen drama *Degrassi: The Next Generation*.
    • Released critically acclaimed albums including *Take Care*, *Views*, and *Scorpion*.
    • Credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in mainstream hip-hop music.
    • Holds multiple Grammy Awards and numerous chart records, cementing his status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

The Definitive List of Drake’s Face Tattoos and Their Meanings

Despite having over 35 tattoos across his body—many of which are portraits of influential figures like Sade, Lil Wayne, and Denzel Washington—Drake has been highly selective about the ink placed on his face. As of the end of 2025, he has two prominent, small tattoos on his face, each carrying immense personal significance.

1. The 'SG' Initials: A Tribute to Sandi Graham

Location: Directly under his left eye, near the cheekbone.

Meaning: The lowercase "sg" stands for Sandi Graham, Drake's beloved mother, Sandra "Sandi" Gayle Graham. This was Drake's first face tattoo, a significant move for an artist who had previously avoided visible ink on his head and neck.

  • Personal Significance: Drake has always maintained an extremely close relationship with his mother, often crediting her as his rock and biggest supporter throughout his career, from his early days on *Degrassi* to his rise as a global superstar. The placement of the initials is a permanent, high-visibility declaration of his devotion.
  • The Artist: The initials were reportedly done by Los Angeles-based tattoo artist Noah Lee, known for his delicate, fine-line work.
  • The Symbolism: Placing the initials near his eye suggests that his mother is always with him, watching over him, and is the first thing he sees when he looks in the mirror. It is a profound statement of filial love.

2. The 'Miskeen' Tattoo: A Nod to Toronto Roots

Location: Above his right eyebrow, slightly towards the center of his forehead.

Meaning: The word "miskeen" is an Arabic phrase that translates literally to "poor" or "pitiable." However, in the context of Toronto's diverse slang—heavily influenced by the city's large Somali, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean populations—it has evolved into a term used to describe someone who is generally sweet, harmless, or somewhat naive, often used in a slightly sympathetic or endearing way.

  • Cultural Significance: This tattoo, which debuted in late 2023, is a powerful homage to his hometown, the "6ix." By inking a piece of Toronto's unique, multicultural vernacular onto his face, Drake is reinforcing his identity as the city's self-proclaimed "6ix God."
  • Fan Reaction: The tattoo immediately went viral, sparking a massive online debate about the word's true meaning and its usage in the city. For many Toronto natives, it was a subtle, yet unmistakable, cultural wink from the OVO leader.
  • The Timing: The addition of "miskeen" came at a time when Drake was touring extensively, often referred to as the *It’s All a Blur Tour*, suggesting he was taking a moment to reflect on his origins and the cultural melting pot that shaped him.

The Evolution of Drake’s Tattoo Philosophy

Drake's body art journey is a fascinating study of celebrity self-expression. For years, he was known for having relatively 'hidden' tattoos, mostly on his arms, back, and torso. The decision to move the ink to his face marks a significant shift in his public persona, aligning him more closely with the visual culture of contemporary hip-hop moguls.

From Portraits to Personal Statements

His early tattoos were often large, detailed portraits, including a massive image of his mentor Lil Wayne, a portrait of his father Dennis Graham, and a depiction of the late singer Aaliyah. These pieces were about honoring the people who influenced his life and career. Entities like Sade Adu and Rihanna also feature prominently in his body art collection.

The face tattoos, however, are different. They are small, textual, and deeply intimate. The 'sg' and 'miskeen' are not just tributes; they are permanent identifiers placed in the most visible location possible. They act as a concise summary of his core values: family first (Sandi Graham) and loyalty to his city (Toronto slang).

Topical Authority and LSI Entities

The depth of Drake's tattoos provides rich topical authority for discussion, linking him to various cultural and artistic entities:

  • Tattoo Artists: Besides Noah Lee, Drake has worked with high-profile artists like Dr. Woo and Inal Bersekov, who are celebrated in the celebrity tattoo circuit.
  • Family Entities: His son, Adonis Graham, is honored with his name tattooed on his back, further emphasizing the theme of family loyalty.
  • Musical Entities: Tattoos of The Beatles' Abbey Road cover (with himself in the lead) and a portrait of Doris Burke (the sports commentator) show his eclectic influences and sense of humor.
  • Cultural Entities: The "miskeen" tattoo connects him directly to the unique language and culture of the Scarborough and Rexdale areas of Toronto, where the slang is most prevalent.

Why Did Drake Choose Face Tattoos Now?

The timing of Drake's face tattoos, particularly the 'sg' initials, coincided with a period of immense personal and professional reflection. Celebrities often use permanent body modifications to signify major life changes or commitments. For Drake, the face ink is widely interpreted as:

  1. A Sign of Commitment: After years of being one of the biggest stars in the world, the face tattoo is a declaration that he is fully committed to his artistic and personal identity, no longer concerned with maintaining a strictly "mainstream" image.
  2. A Permanent Bond: The 'sg' is an unbreakable, visible connection to his mother, a constant reminder of his foundation.
  3. Embracing the Culture: The 'miskeen' tattoo is an unapologetic embrace of his Toronto roots and the street culture that shaped his early career, further solidifying his "6ix God" moniker.

In a world where celebrity trends are fleeting, Drake’s face tattoos stand as two powerful, permanent anchors to the two most important things in his life: his family and his city. They are small pieces of ink with monumental meaning, making them some of the most discussed tattoos in modern music history.

drake tattoo face
drake tattoo face

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